MBABANE – Secretary General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), Moussa Saleh Batraki, has praised King Mswati III for what he described as exceptional leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment to international cooperation during a high-level gathering hosted by the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Speaking during an official dinner attended by delegates from across the OACPS family, Batraki expressed gratitude to the King and the people of Eswatini for hosting what he called a historic meeting convened under the Samoa Agreement.
The event was graced by His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty Indlovukazi, Emakhosikati, Cabinet ministers and delegates from the different countries.
“On behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati III for the exceptional hospitality, generosity and warm reception extended to all delegations gathered here for this historic meeting,” Batraki said.
He said the kingdom’s hosting of the meetings reflected King Mswati III’s ‘distinguished leadership and steadfast commitment to international cooperation, dialogue and solidarity among nations’.
According to Batraki, Eswatini continues to play an important role within the OACPS community and the wider international arena.
“Under Your Majesty’s wise stewardship, the Kingdom of Eswatini continues to stand as a respected voice for peace, stability and constructive engagement within our regions and across the wider OACPS family,” he said.
The secretary general noted that the world is currently facing increasing uncertainty and divisions, adding that the King’s leadership continues to offer ‘a voice of reform, renewal and hope for nations’.
He further commended King Mswati III for championing the transformation and strategic positioning of the OACPS within the changing global order.
“Your vision for a stronger, more dynamic and self-reliant OACPS continues to inspire and guide the organisation’s transformation,” he said.
Batraki also referred to the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government held recently in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where he said member States had deeply appreciated the King’s commitment to the future of the organisation.
In one of the most notable moments of his speech, the secretary general revealed that King Mswati III had mobilised substantial support for the organisation during the summit.
“For those who had no chance to attend the 11th Summit, His Majesty, in 30 minutes, raised E14 billion for the OACPS,” Batraki told delegates.
He described the King’s efforts as ‘leadership of the highest order’, saying the initiative reflected a profound belief in unity, partnership and collective progress among member States.
“In particular, Your Majesty’s effort in mobilising support for the OACPS reflected not only outstanding leadership of the highest order, but also a profound belief in the values of unity, partnership and collective progress among our nations,” he said.
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Prince Lindani delivers wide-ranging, reflective address
MBABANE – Eswatini Member of Parliament Prince Lindani delivered a wide-ranging and reflective address during a reception hosted by the Kingdom of Eswatini for delegates attending the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) gathering.
He praised King Mswati III’s leadership while urging stronger, more meaningful partnerships between Africa and the European Union.
Addressing His Majesty, dignitaries and international delegates, Prince Lindani described himself as both head of delegation and ‘messenger’, tasked with reporting on the progress achieved during days of high-level discussions, policy debates and diplomatic engagements hosted in Eswatini.
He said the gathering had demonstrated unity and determination among participating nations, adding that the atmosphere of peace and stability in Eswatini had enabled constructive dialogue on parliamentary reform and continental cooperation.
The prince highlighted deliberations surrounding the Global Gateway initiative, stating that African parliamentarians had called for European Union (EU) investments to prioritise beneficiation, parliamentary oversight and public accountability.
“We reminded partners that we export products and not profit,” he said, underscoring calls for investment models that deliver tangible benefits to African economies and citizens.
Youth empowerment also featured prominently in the address. Prince Lindani said delegates had resolved that at least 50 per cent of post-summit programming should directly benefit universities, digital innovation hubs and young entrepreneurs across member States.
“The future is indeed in the youth,” he said.
On Africa-EU relations, the prince said delegates had reviewed recommendations from the Council of Ministers and insisted that partnerships should be guided by measurable targets rather than broad declarations.
“Partnership without love and hope is just a ceremony,” he said. “And we did not travel thousands of miles just for ceremonies.”
Throughout the speech, Prince Lindani repeatedly praised King Mswati III for maintaining peace and stability in Eswatini during his four decades on the throne. He described the kingdom as an emerging destination for international dialogue and diplomacy.
“You have shown us that after negotiations comes conversation, and after conversations comes connection,” he told the King.
The reception itself, he said, represented more than a diplomatic gathering. It was an opportunity for delegates from across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific to build friendships beyond official negotiations.
“Tonight, titles matter a little less, and friendships matter a great deal more,” he said.
In a lighter moment, Prince Lindani joked that neither he nor Parliament would accept responsibility for delegates with ‘tired legs’, should they attempt traditional Swati dances later in the evening.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
